Service Description

FEBRUARY'S EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT! Email chloe.gourmetgatherings@gmail.com to register your interest for dates later in the year, or to join the waiting list in case of any cancellations. I have teamed up with the brilliant David Atthowe, of Reveal Nature, to offer you a fantastic & unique nighttime woodland adventure! David’s expertise in nature is remarkable, one of his specialities is biofluorescent fungi, flora and fauna! Unlike most animals, humans can’t see biofluorescence unaided, but armed with a special UV torch, the forest transforms into a neon light show! We can find fluorescing fungi, snails, slugs, centipedes, caterpillars, woodlice, worms, plants & flowers, and myriads more, it’s incredible to see the forest in a whole new light - literally! This will be a chance to connect with nature in a way that is both educational, as we discover and discuss how and why species might employ biofluorescence, as well as awe-inspiring to witness! Biofluorescence is a different phenomenon to bioluminescence, where animals such as fireflies and glowworms sporadically emit light resulting from internal chemical reactions. Biofluorescence is omnipresent in the organism, but we humans are only able to see it with the help of specialised UV torches, which reveal an assortment of bright and wonderful colours. It is one of Nature’s greatest hidden secrets, who knows what we might find by combining mine and David’s knowledge, passion and curiosity for nature! We will meet at 8.30pm in Wentwood Forest's ancient woodland, which offers an amazing array of fauna, flora & fungi. As David introduces us to the magic of Biofluorescence and we gear up with UV torches & special goggles and headlamps, we will warm up with a delicious foraged soup and freshly baked focaccia. With warm tummies we will then excitedly embark on our adventure, discovering the spectacular hidden-in-plain-sight neon colours of the forest! We will see what incredible biofluorescent secrets are revealed in the organisms, undoubtedly there will be new and exciting discoveries for all of our guests, and us! We are so excited to bring you this new offering, the first time you explore the forest in this way is absolutely mind-blowingly amazing, I can’t wait to share it with you! All dietary requirements can be catered to, you will be asked upon booking. Please be aware that for safety reasons, guests must be aged 13+.